There is one moment, when you look at a piece of art and know that you love it. It’s the moment when you feel a rush of uplifting inspiration — and total soul-crushing jealousy all at the same time. It’s when you walk away thinking, “Damn, I wish I thought of that.”
The Jealous Curator, an artist and designer herself, has taken this creativity-halting, soul-crushing feeling and turned it into something positive. She finds work that makes her feel like she’s been punched in the creative gut, and then writes about why she loves it. She may not have actual gallery walls, but thanks to her blog, she has all of the white space any curator could ever want.
Every day I write about artists that make me jealous, but my favorite part of the blog is bringing those artists together to create “jealously curated” shows. Well, today I’m going one step further — I’ve planned an intimate gallery soiree, and you are on the guest list! So, where does a curator begin when putting together this kind of artsy evening? In the closet, of course! Oh, so many lovely possibilities:
[1. PATENT DRESS and OBI BELT by duende74, 2. GEM - Multi Faceted Ring by arosha, 3. Cirque Party Dressouma, 4. There's no place like home clutch purse by cathiemercury, 5. Vintage Pink Enamel Floral Brooch from homeandvintage, 6. High Shoulder Womens Jumpsuit by EllaLai]
Hmm, what to wear, what to wear? While I’m deciding, let me get you a refreshment. What’s a fancy gallery opening without champagne, right? Right! Here’s the thing — I can’t serve you any real champagne, but I can most certainly search for it! Oh, and look what I found:
[7. I would rather have champagne print by dearcolleen, 8. Prosecco. Dangle Leaf Earrings by ThreeWishesStudio, 9. Bubble Me Necklace by crazy4jewels, 10. Champagne and Spice Moisturizer by BettyHula, 11. Pure Organic Mineral Glow (pink champagne) by orglamix, 12. Chiffon Flower Hair Clip or Brooch, by VieModerne]
Alright! Well, I look fabulous, we’ve had some champagne (sort of), and so it’s finally time to unveil the art. I’ve titled the show “x2″ because it was absolutely impossible for me to choose only one image from all of these ridiculously talented artists — so I’m showing two pieces from each of them! I hope you enjoy the show:
[Artists include: 13. Leah Giberson, 14. Tali Yalonetzki, 15. Yellena James, 16. Anthony Zinonos, 17. Hollie Chastain]
What type of show would you curate with Etsy items? Tell us in the comments below!
146 comments
Sign in to add your ownVintageScraps says:
LOVE that opening sentence- how true!
1 year ago
sewninpieces says:
What a great collection. I love the colour scheme.
1 year ago
pinksnakejewelry says:
Wow! I love this whole concept!
1 year ago
EncourageCreations says:
Smashing!
1 year ago
jenniferdarezzo says:
Very clever concept!
1 year ago
melaniefavreau says:
I'm a big fan of Leah Giberson! :)
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
They are all so inspiring! I'm particularly drawn to yellena's organic-looking prints.
1 year ago
OffTheHooks says:
great picks.
1 year ago
TwinkleStarCrafts says:
Incredible!
1 year ago
sushibooties says:
Huge fan! Love this.. jealous!
1 year ago
IlluminatedPerfume says:
Love the art you selected!
1 year ago
Krystyna81 says:
AAHHH! That quote! How devestatingly true... Thank you for another wonderful selection of Fine Art here on Etsy!
1 year ago
bread says:
its all one big collective conscience anyways,theres no competition here,right? looking st those painted portraits makes me want to dive into some meaty paint strokes of my own.good taste!
1 year ago
ZenAndCoffee says:
Beautiful! Thanks for turning my on to this! Love the style! ~Wren ZenAndCoffee.etsy.com Arm Warmers & Fingerless Gloves for all seasons & styles!
1 year ago
TheRitzyMeow says:
What a wonderful collection, very eye catching!
1 year ago
Jusadreamin says:
NICE !!!!!! thanks for sharing www.jusadreamin.etsy.com
1 year ago
18ontheAlley says:
awesome selection! inspiring!!
1 year ago
SewnNatural says:
wow! feast for the eyes. thank you!
1 year ago
barbaraportraits says:
Lovely picks!
1 year ago
MaryKateMcDevitt says:
I love that blog! The authors sense of humor is so refreshing and an excellent collection of works! http://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/2009/09/15/im-jealous-of-mary-kate-mcdevitt/
1 year ago
Maulani says:
Lovely! I visited the blog and read "i am jealous of..." yet the posts are so inspiring!
1 year ago
jenniferhigby says:
I feel the same way so often, what a great idea! Very interesting, nice work!
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
Wouldn't Zealous be more appropriate? Wow, she is The Jealous Curator! Her passion is fantastic and love the line "Damn, I wish I thought of that." Happens all the time to me : ) Yet I am so thankful for the human creativity that does think of "it." I am thankful for all the ones in the world that share their creativity with all of us on this earth and that just sometimes we are intelligent enough to appreciate it. Bravo Jealous Curator, Bravo! LeafandInk
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Supper blog!
1 year ago
2007musarra says:
I am envious!!!! Your right my heart is beating a mile a minute and I must have most of these items, hmmm or make my car payment... ART!!!
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Fabulous art, thanks Jealo!
1 year ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
Really wonderful blog! Thanks!
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
That was fun! And I too would much prefer Champagne.
1 year ago
Emmamaha says:
I love your finds, especially the art. There IS a ridiculous amount of talented artists here on Etsy, which I liken to a heavy dose of oxygen for me. I am inspired by them all the time...and a little jealous! Glad to see you are also:)
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Inspiring selections! I love Yellena's prints. :)
1 year ago
HoldTheWire says:
Lovely! I've liked Leah Giberson for a while, but I love the collage artist you highlighted: Hollie Chastain.
1 year ago
blueskyclouds says:
I really enjoyed seeing the work of the featured artists. I already have one of Tali's paintings! Lucky me!
1 year ago
VeronicaRStudio says:
I totally understand the feeling! Those pics are gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing.
1 year ago
recrudescence says:
I am just glad someone else is big enough to admit "wish I thought of that". ;) Betty Hula Champagne and Spice sounds scent-sational!
1 year ago
CuriousTuesday says:
Super article! I love the Cirque Party Dressoum.
1 year ago
InvisibleFountain says:
I am so envious of the jealous curator. It should have been me!!!
1 year ago
artofjane says:
I'm never jealous. Really. Never. Ever. Ever. Really.
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
Great!
1 year ago
tomatored says:
Feeling inspired!
1 year ago
paperholiday says:
Oh girl I know the feeling...
1 year ago
moosomething says:
Beautiful Stuff!!!
1 year ago
manvsgeorge says:
Wow wow wow -- such a great collection here!
1 year ago
whimsywhimsical says:
opening speech is awesome and inspiring! Yellena's artworks are always intriguing with her massive patterns and merging colours!
1 year ago
mcldrygoods says:
loving the collages.
1 year ago
chanyeevon says:
I really like Champagne and Spice Moisturizer on how Betty's put her signature of 'handmade by Betty x' It feels more personal :D
1 year ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
OK I admit it!!! I am jealous of lots of etsy artists but then after the adulation wears off and I settle down, I realize I am also happy for them and wish them well. Eventually, I realize that I have something special too and the arms of etsy are big enough to hold all of us!!!
1 year ago
bluewhitejewelrywear says:
So cool! I am amazed at all the talent on Etsy!
1 year ago
OhFaro says:
SO-SO-so-so-So-So fun!
1 year ago
PeekoApparel says:
I really love your blog! its amazing! especially the fibre art! keep it up! :D
1 year ago
sweetjane says:
Such cool art work!!
1 year ago
lauraprentice says:
I can relate to that punched-in-the-gut feeling!
1 year ago
thejealouscurator says:
hi everyone! thank you so much for all of your very sweet comments! for those of you who don't read my blog, i just wanted to make sure that you all know that my jealousy comes from a good place... i once heard someone say that if jealousy is kept inside of you, it becomes poison, but the minute you say it out loud it becomes admiration... that's the kind i'm talking about! you know, the kind that inspires you to buy that extra canvas, and stay in the studio an hour longer than you'd planned to ; )
1 year ago
thejealouscurator says:
thanks for the sweet comments everyone! this was so fun!!
1 year ago
QWorks says:
Love this article, i always have that jealous feeling too :D
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
great article
1 year ago
TheNightjar says:
love that print called "Vessel" -so pretty... I know exactly what you mean about that kind of jealous, thejealouscurator....its is always important to turn those feelings into something positive : ))
1 year ago
luxcatvintage says:
well, I think I'm jealous of this entire post :) great concept, great items. keep it up!
1 year ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
Amazing gallery show!
1 year ago
gretchenmist says:
beautiful exhibition! love the jealous curator and the concept of it :)
1 year ago
hottinroofneworleans says:
I love the "jealous curator" idea! And so true! I wish I had a nickel for every time I thought "damn, why didn't I think of that"!
1 year ago
HellsSewingCircle says:
Oh yes, I started following your blog about a year ago, I love discovering new artists through your page! I know there is always going to be great stuff on there. At this moment I think Bette is my favorite :)
1 year ago
ZhongFuJewelryDesign says:
Wow! I love Yellena James' work. Hearty-heart-heart.
1 year ago
FlanneryCrane says:
How Great is this...
1 year ago
ViviansKitchen says:
I AM TOTALLY JEALOUS of the blog you have created. Oh what fun you must have :)
1 year ago
fadefade says:
The one thing I have always found on Etsy is artists that I admire, to the point of getting that punch-in-the-gut feeling. Instead, I just want to own everything. Thank you for the lovely collection and I look forward to future Etsy Blog pieces! A great collection of a few of my favorite Etsy image-makers, and the clothing is to die for.
1 year ago
giltandenvy says:
Ooh, I love you jealous curator! I'm excited to have found a new blog to follow, and just had a wee peek at some of the shows you've done - head + shoulders blew me away, so many artists who I'm now jealous of too...Or perhaps 'envious' is more appropriate given my username :)
1 year ago
deepfried says:
Glad to see a blog I follow on here! Great write up, jealous. Admiration galore!
1 year ago
duende74 says:
Incredibly smart and so fun! Many thanks dear. :)
1 year ago
DIVINEsweetness says:
i'm ouma's biggest fan! =)
1 year ago
allthepreciousthings says:
I totally understand the jealousy thing!!!
1 year ago
cocokato says:
wow amazing art work!
1 year ago
AroshaGallery says:
I've been an admirer of your blog for some time - Love your attitude and exquisite taste. Thank you so much for including my ring in your admiration list, I'm honored!
1 year ago
TheJoyofColor says:
Great, i enjoyed this article , wonderful picks all the way
1 year ago
Fleurografie says:
Very nice stuff,love the collection you put together,just beautiful.
1 year ago
LeightonDavies says:
I wish I thought of that! lol
1 year ago
vantiani says:
Oh I just LOVE all those collage artists there! Yay! Thanks much for an awesome exhibition!
1 year ago
miriadmoni says:
Wonderful blog & curation!
1 year ago
ShebboDesign says:
All collages are great!Yellana James's art is awesome! lol, I wish I thought of that! *lol*
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Such a beautiful collection ! And caravan is awesome !
1 year ago
ilgattoselvatico says:
Yes it's true the art is beautiful esp. the first two painter. I think that there are a lot of really talented illustrators on etsy so I'd curate a show and invite them to join!
1 year ago
IceCreamCandy says:
wow...i love all the pics!!
1 year ago
GollyBard says:
Great art makes my heart flutter! Super article!
1 year ago
HennessyHandbags says:
Yes love the idea of being the jealous curator and just using that jealousy to curate a show of works that the jealous curator thinks is great. Artists are moved by different things. Hmmmmmmm
1 year ago
OhMafelt says:
Bravo!
1 year ago
SpackleTheGap says:
This is such an amazing and honest concept! Thank you so much for saying the one thing that EVERY artist thinks about!
1 year ago
myzoetrope says:
Love these collections!
1 year ago
ellemardesigns says:
Wonderful assortment of items! I love Yellena James' art. This is a great concept, sharing what art makes you jealous and spurs you on to greater creativity - thanks for sharing your vision with us.
1 year ago
DeanDymentStudios says:
Great picks as always.
1 year ago
Quams says:
I LOVE Yellena James
1 year ago
areyoutakingmeout says:
I totally know what you mean! I get that feeling all the time when I see something amazing. Its a great way to inspire you to get off your bum to start experimenting. Thank you for sharing x
1 year ago
SilverSkyHi says:
awesome
1 year ago
missouribendstudio says:
This is great....so much wonderful work here on Etsy....it's always great to see other people highlighting my favorites and discovering new wonders! Thanks!
1 year ago
Serrelynda says:
I thought I was the ponly one who got jealous! Thanks for the lovely picks. and pix.
1 year ago
StringsnTings says:
Love love love! This made my day- which happens to revolve around art!
1 year ago
MarKoosModernDesign says:
I too, am jealous! You have fantastic taste. Very clean and classy. <3
1 year ago
Vivavivant says:
Gorgeous!!!!
1 year ago
TimeBanditsVintage says:
that line on dearcolleen's print "I'd rather have champagne than real pain" sounds very familiar to a line my friends band Murder Corner had in one of their songs back in 2004/2005...crazy!
1 year ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Beautiful things!!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Great artsy evening!
1 year ago
julessabjewelry says:
What a wonderful idea! I am still trying to find what I can blog about each day - I just cannot narrow down my passions. Kudos to you for finding an eclectic and interesting topic to be passionate about!
1 year ago
jargonhead says:
Thanks for introducing me to a few more artists that I love. What a great idea for a blog! Keep writing!
1 year ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
Loved it!
1 year ago
svitrolica says:
Oooh what a great idea!! And I personally love that jealousy - it drives me so seek harder for inspiration!!
1 year ago
evertonterrace says:
Thanks for the fun evening (morning)out and what a fun idea. Oh the "I wish I thought of that" happens to me all the time. I find myself saying "genius" out loud when I see all the amazing creativity here on Etsy.
1 year ago
RawBoneStudio says:
I love the Jealous Curator!!! I'm so jealous of her good taste. Now I'm jealous of her cuteness and popularity. I am inspired daily from all this jealousy. My problem is I get so lustful looking at all the beauty that I lose all my free time to create. Stop it!
1 year ago
kimmchi says:
i love Yellena James!
1 year ago
designlab443 says:
great works of art!
1 year ago
bedbuggs says:
Love it, great post!!!
1 year ago
anadiazarte says:
Wonderful collection!
1 year ago
lucileskitchen says:
Really amazing and wonderful !!!!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Wow, this was so cool...thanks!
1 year ago
rozzie says:
Etsy.... Always inspiring!! Thank you
1 year ago
candacejean says:
I've had that... the "rush of uplifting inspiration — and total soul-crushing jealousy all at the same time" feeling. Ugh. I love it and hate it! Thanks for sharing this amazing collection of incredible creations!
1 year ago
Pantora says:
save $20 on purchases of $100, every $100 you spend get $20 0ff, will refund you through pay pal, or convo me and ill make a reserved listing
1 year ago
CecilandCo says:
What a fabulous collection! Love the pictures!
1 year ago
LuBluDesigns says:
This is great! Thanks for sharing! It makes me ponder at each piece.
1 year ago
TheGildedTassel says:
Nice Post!
1 year ago
steelknightdesigns says:
I think your opening paragraph is a beautiful summation of how art really does make one feel! Love the whole feel to your virtual gallery opening too (complete with champagne)! Sooooo nicely done!
1 year ago
jodieflowers says:
Very Cool! Love it!
1 year ago
sfgirlbybay says:
good god you have excellent taste. i love it all. so proud and happy to have you blogging with me! :)
1 year ago
thornblossom says:
Thanks for a fantastic collection of art! I, too know that crushing, pit-of-your-stomach jealousy/frustration. Great way to work with it, and let it be an inspiration for yourself and others.
1 year ago
megansbeadeddesigns says:
Now I'm jealous of your blog idea! :-) HOW COOL!
1 year ago
KFMGallery says:
Nice!! You picked some amazing artwork :)
1 year ago
PurpleDeerVintage says:
Love the old fashion with the new modern color splashed in by Hollie Chastain.
1 year ago
leahgiberson says:
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support of my work. I absolutely love the collection of art and clothing you've put together here and your blog remains an ongoing source of inspiration for me. xoxo
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Love the great gallery show! Thanks!!
1 year ago
rowenamurillo says:
Oddly, I don't own very much art as I'm building my collection, and yet, of the artists you showed, I have a Leah Giberson print and a Tush Tush print. Two of the others are in my favorites (only a matter of time and pay check). Thanks oh jealous one.
1 year ago
BlindTigerFlasks says:
absolutely wonderful!! Thank you for this collection of visual pleasure. Cheers!
1 year ago
sleepingsheep says:
I love everything here!
1 year ago
FavreBijoux says:
Yesterday I made a treasury of all art. Buried now. "ya gotta have art". Would love to see more art only FP.
1 year ago
FavreBijoux says:
More art.
1 year ago
camstudiostore says:
Very cool!
1 year ago
radnbadcollars says:
What a great imagination! very cool!
1 year ago
louloudo says:
Haha brilliant and beautiful!
1 year ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
You make me jealouse :)
1 year ago
Pam2009 says:
Very cleaver. Wish I had thought of it!
1 year ago
moonstr says:
lovely!!!
1 year ago
FoodForHands says:
This was a really interesting post. I really liked it!
1 year ago
emporium51 says:
um...I'm jealous...
1 year ago
thejealouscurator says:
thanks again everyone! i hope i see you again... maybe at the next show ; ) xo
1 year ago
poplovedesigns says:
Fabulous finds! I know exactly what you mean about feeling jealous when you see something awesome! <3 Andrea
1 year ago
allisonstrine says:
Groovy!
1 year ago
GalleonGal says:
lots of fascinating items and eye candy
1 year ago
ZenBrush says:
And dont forget envy!
1 year ago